China Polysilicon Production Output in 2008

Several days ago a foreign friend discussed China polysilicon production output in 2008 with me, he gave me a figure of 7,360 metric tons, I was quite astonished. Being a Chinese I hope Chinese companies are able to produce more polysilicon to ease the raw material shortage problem in the PV industry.

It is a pity that my finding is just 3,000 to 5,000 metric tons, I am sorry that I cannot give you the exact figure since all the producers are not sure how much they can produce this year, the existing producers are trying to improve their production output, and the new producers are trying to start their production this year.

Today I read "Last year, these companies produced a total of 1,000 metric tons of polysilicon. Next year, we expect Chinese production to increase to 2,000 metric tons, as these companies improve their production processes and new companies ramp up production." from an article by Susan Gordon, an analyst at THT Research. According to my knowledge, the production from E'mei, Luoyang China Silicon and Sichuan Xin'guang Silicon will be about 2,000 metric tons in 2008, what's more Zhongneng began to produce polysilicon in September 2007, and some new producers will begin to produce polysilicon this year, anyhow the total figure will be at least 3,000 metric tons in 2008. If these projects go well, it is possible that the total figure will reach 5,000 metric tons in 2008.

And some Chinese companies are developing the non-Simens process to produce low cost polysilicon, if they succeed, the production output will be raised to a real high level.

At last, I just hope my figure is not too conservative.

Trina Solar Signs Equipment Supply Contract with GT Solar

CHANGZHOU, China, March 9 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Trina Solar Limited (NYSE: TSL) ("Trina Solar" or the "Company"), a leading integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic products from the production of ingots, wafers and cells to the assembly of PV modules, founded in 1997, today announced that it has signed an agreement with GT Solar Incorporated ("GT Solar") to purchase primary converter and reactor systems for its planned polysilicon production project for a total consideration of approximately US$49 million, with purchase price to be paid in installments over an approximate period of 12 to 18 months. The execution of this agreement is subject to final approval by the Boards of both companies.

"We are very excited to further our partnership with GT Solar, who will provide us a world class platform which is expected to extend our technology, brand and cost advantages to include silicon feedstock under our vertically integrated manufacturing model," said Jifan Gao, Trina Solar's Chairman and CEO. "We believe GT Solar's advanced technology will help Trina Solar to reduce cost in the long run in connection with our polysilicon production."

Tom Zarrella, GT Solar's CEO, stated "Trina Solar's order for our advanced polysilicon manufacturing equipment and technologies to support their upstream expansion plan is a strong indication of GT Solar's continued expansion in the Asia market. We value our relationship with Trina Solar and appreciate its continued confidence in our products."

The agreement was signed through Trina Solar (Lianyungang) Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Trina Solar, at the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC). Senior governmental officials from both the United States State Department and China's National Development Reform Commission attended this conference and expressed strong support for greater cooperation between companies of both countries. This agreement is a part of the governments' cooperation framework in renewable energy. The signing ceremony was co-hosted by ACORE (American Council on Renewable Energy) and CREIA (China Renewable Energy Industries Association).

About Trina Solar Limited
Trina Solar Limited (NYSE: TSL), through its wholly-owned subsidiary Changzhou Trina Solar Energy Co. Ltd., is a well recognized manufacturer of high quality modules and has a long history as a solar PV pioneer since it was founded in 1997 as a system installation company. Trina Solar is currently one of the few PV manufacturers that has developed a vertically integrated business model from the production of monocrystalline and multicrystalline ingots, wafers and cells to the assembly of high quality modules. This integrated value chain helps to ensure that high quality products can be delivered to its end customers around the globe, including a number of European countries, such as Germany, Spain and Italy. Trina Solar's solar modules provide reliable and environmentally-friendly electric power for residential, commercial, industrial and other applications worldwide. For further information, please visit Trina Solar's website at http://www.trinasolar.com.

About GT Solar
GT Solar Incorporated, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GT Solar International, is a key global provider of manufacturing equipment and turnkey manufacturing solutions across the photovoltaic supply chain. Based in Merrimack, NH (USA), the company's products include equipment used to produce multi-crystalline solar wafers, cells and modules. GT Solar also manufactures polysilicon reactors, which allow its customers to produce polysilicon from which solar wafers are made. For more information, go to http://www.gtsolar.com.